Beginning farmer-training program expands to Hawaii County

The University of Hawaiʻi beginning farmer-training program GoFarm Hawaiʻi is expanding to Hawaiʻi Island, thanks to funding from Kamehameha Schools, Ulupono Initiative and a partnership with The Kohala Center. With this addition, GoFarm Hawaiʻi will have five program sites across four islands, making it one of the largest beginning farmer training programs in the nation. The first class at the Big Island location will begin this fall; the date is yet to be determined.

More on GoFarm Hawaiʻi

GoFarm Hawaiʻi is a comprehensive and practical training program built around the real-world needs of tomorrow’s farmers. It involves several stages of increasing commitment and learning, from an initial AgCurious seminar open to the public, followed by a series of AgXposure workshops, a four-month AgSchool course and a six-month AgPro extension that provides deeper learning. Then graduates are eligible for three years of incubation support while they grow crops on land provided by the program. Specifics of programs may vary by location.

All aspects of farmer training, from crop selection and farm equipment instruction to pesticide information and business plan guidance, are covered in a mix of hands-on and classroom learning. The program’s goal is to develop aspiring farmers who can provide local food and other agricultural products for Hawaiʻi while being compensated fairly for their efforts.

GoFarm Hawaiʻi is currently supported by grants from HDOA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Doc Buyers Fund at Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and Kamehameha Schools. It is also supported by significant in-kind contributions from collaborators.